Is DGFT Registration the same as IEC?

No. IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) is a foundational trade identifier issued by DGFT, mandatory for all traders. DGFT Registration encompasses broader authorizations including REX/RMP approvals, export scheme registrations, and sector-specific licenses required for restricted commodities. All DGFT registrations require an active IEC, but not all IEC holders need additional DGFT registrations unless their commodity is restricted.

How long is DGFT Registration valid?

IEC validity is 5 years from issue date. Scheme-specific registrations (EPCG, Advance Authorization, REX/RMP) have varying validity periods—typically 1-5 years depending on the scheme. Renewal must be initiated before expiry; failure to renew results in automatic cancellation and requires fresh application.

What happens if I trade without valid DGFT Registration?

Trading without proper DGFT authorization violates the FTDR Act 1992 and Customs Act 1962. Consequences include customs penalty of 10-100% of consignment value, cargo seizure, port holds, and potential criminal prosecution with imprisonment up to 2 years. CBIC and Customs authorities conduct regular audits to verify compliance.

Can I apply for multiple DGFT registrations simultaneously?

Yes. An entity with a single IEC can apply for multiple sector-specific registrations and export schemes simultaneously. For example, a trader can register for both REX (restricted export) approval and EPCG scheme at the same time. Each application is processed independently and may have different validity periods.

How do I renew my DGFT Registration?

DGFT Registration renewal should be initiated 6 months before expiry. For IEC, apply online at dgft.gov.in with updated KYC documents. For scheme-specific registrations, file renewal applications with DGFT along with compliance reports and sectoral certifications. Renewal processing typically takes 7-10 working days. Failure to renew before expiry results in cancellation and administrative penalties.

DGFT Registration

Get DGFT Registration & IEC License for export-import in India. Understand eligibility, process, documents required, and compliance under FTP 2023-28.

Step 1: Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT, which is the foundational registration required for all export-import activities. Apply online at dgft.gov.in or through authorized customs brokers; processing takes 3-5 working days.
Step 2: Identify your applicable DGFT category by reviewing DGFT Policy Trade Notices, notifications, and FTP 2023-28. Determine if your commodity requires REX (Restricted Export), RMP (Restricted Import), license approval, or sector-specific registration.
Step 3: Register with relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) if your sector mandates it—such as APEDA for agriculture, FIEO for general exports, GJEPC for gems, or DCGI liaison for pharmaceuticals. Submit application with category-specific compliance certificates.
Step 4: Submit DGFT-specific applications online at dgft.gov.in for REX, RMP, EPCG, Advance Authorization, or other applicable schemes. Attach supporting documents including IEC copy, sectoral certifications, bank details, and compliance declarations. Processing typically takes 7-15 working days.
Step 5: Obtain DGFT approval, download authorization certificate, and update your IEC profile with scheme details. Maintain compliance records, submit periodic returns as mandated, and initiate renewal 6 months before expiry of your registration validity.

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What is DGFT Registration?

DGFT Registration refers to the authorization and classification granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, to regulate India's foreign trade activities. DGFT maintains a comprehensive framework for controlling, promoting, and monitoring exports and imports under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (FTDR Act) and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28. While the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT is the primary identification for trade entities, DGFT registration encompasses additional classifications and authorizations required for restricted, prohibited, and specialized trade categories.

DGFT registration is distinct from simple IEC registration. It involves obtaining specific licenses, classifications, and approvals for regulated commodities such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and arms. The DGFT maintains the Policy Framework that governs which items can be freely exported, which require licenses, and which are prohibited entirely. Entities engaged in restricted trade segments must secure DGFT approval before commencing operations, as mandated under the FTDR Act and the Customs Act 1962.

Pricing

Package	Price	Details
Standard	On request	Including document prep

Process

📋
Step 1: Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT, which is the foundational registration required for all export-import activities. Apply online at dgft.gov.in or through authorized customs brokers; processing takes 3-5 working days.
🔍
Step 2: Identify your applicable DGFT category by reviewing DGFT Policy Trade Notices, notifications, and FTP 2023-28. Determine if your commodity requires REX (Restricted Export), RMP (Restricted Import), license approval, or sector-specific registration.
📝
Step 3: Register with relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) if your sector mandates it—such as APEDA for agriculture, FIEO for general exports, GJEPC for gems, or DCGI liaison for pharmaceuticals. Submit application with category-specific compliance certificates.
✅
Step 4: Submit DGFT-specific applications online at dgft.gov.in for REX, RMP, EPCG, Advance Authorization, or other applicable schemes. Attach supporting documents including IEC copy, sectoral certifications, bank details, and compliance declarations. Processing typically takes 7-15 working days.
📤
Step 5: Obtain DGFT approval, download authorization certificate, and update your IEC profile with scheme details. Maintain compliance records, submit periodic returns as mandated, and initiate renewal 6 months before expiry of your registration validity.

Documents Required

Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) copy
Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed and GST Registration Certificate
PAN and Aadhaar copies of directors/partners/proprietor
Bank statement (last 3 months) and cancelled cheque
Sector-specific certifications (e.g., FSSAI for food exports, DCGI approval for pharma, APEDA membership for agriculture)
Export Promotion Council (EPC) membership certificate or application proof

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DGFT Registration

Get DGFT Registration & IEC License for export-import in India. Understand eligibility, process, documents required, and compliance under FTP 2023-28.

Step 1: Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT, which is the foundational registration required for all export-import activities. Apply online at dgft.gov.in or through authorized customs brokers; processing takes 3-5 working days.

Step 2: Identify your applicable DGFT category by reviewing DGFT Policy Trade Notices, notifications, and FTP 2023-28. Determine if your commodity requires REX (Restricted Export), RMP (Restricted Import), license approval, or sector-specific registration.

Step 3: Register with relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) if your sector mandates it—such as APEDA for agriculture, FIEO for general exports, GJEPC for gems, or DCGI liaison for pharmaceuticals. Submit application with category-specific compliance certificates.

Step 4: Submit DGFT-specific applications online at dgft.gov.in for REX, RMP, EPCG, Advance Authorization, or other applicable schemes. Attach supporting documents including IEC copy, sectoral certifications, bank details, and compliance declarations. Processing typically takes 7-15 working days.

Step 5: Obtain DGFT approval, download authorization certificate, and update your IEC profile with scheme details. Maintain compliance records, submit periodic returns as mandated, and initiate renewal 6 months before expiry of your registration validity.

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is DGFT Registration?

Package

Price

Details

Standard

On request

Including document prep

Process

📋

🔍

📝

✅

📤

Documents Required

Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) copy

Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed and GST Registration Certificate

PAN and Aadhaar copies of directors/partners/proprietor

Bank statement (last 3 months) and cancelled cheque

Sector-specific certifications (e.g., FSSAI for food exports, DCGI approval for pharma, APEDA membership for agriculture)

Export Promotion Council (EPC) membership certificate or application proof